Business of the Dáil.
Could the Taoiseach at this stage give us any idea as to when the referendum will be held?
Comment on this
Unfortunately it is not easy to do that. It depends on the actions of both Dáil and Seanad.
Comment on this
Is it now proposed to hold the Presidential Election and the referendum on the same day?
Comment on this
I should like to ask the Taoiseach if he is prepared to give us an undertaking that the referendum in any event will be deferred until the new register of electors becomes operative on April 15th.
Comment on this
Is the Tánaiste serious in saying that the House is to be adjourned next week? The Minister for Local Government has a Bill ordered for Tuesday week.
Comment on this
The Deputy will appreciate that while that Bill must become law within some reasonable time there is not that element of urgency about it because it need not emerge from the legislating machine earlier than the Constitution Amendment Bill itself. If the Constitution Amendment Bill could be completed next week, then it would not be necessary to meet the following week for the purpose of taking the other Bill.
Comment on this
Then, was it not rather "cracked" to take that Bill yesterday rather than take the Constitution Amendment Bill?
Comment on this
In view of the Taoiseach's statement when asked a question about the probability or the possibility of the Presidential Election and the referendum being held on the same day and his reply that it depended on certain circumstances, would the Taoiseach recall——